The Arcades connect Piazza Duomo with Piazza del Grano. They were built, according to tradition, in the middle of the 13th century, in accordance with the wishes of Meinhard II, Count of Tyrol, as a center for merchants and craftsmen. Since the 14th century the Arcades have been divided into "The River Arcades", on the side nearest the river Passirio and "The Mountain Arcades" on the side nearest the mountain.